I lastly got my fingers on a container of e. they would. taylor barrel proof batch 12, and after staring from that iconic yellow tube on our shelf for a week, I made the decision it was time for you to see if the reality lived upward to the massive hype. If you've spent any time in the bourbon world lately, you understand that the Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. line from Buffalo Trace is basically the gold standard for "stuff people will wait around in line for hours to buy. " But the Barrel Proof series is a different animal entirely. It's uncut, unfiltered, and usually packages a punch that will could floor the mule.
Batch 12 comes within at a staggering 131. 1 proof. That's high, even regarding this line. Whenever you're dealing with something over 65% alcohol, there's always the risk the "heat"—that burning sensation within the back of your throat—is heading to drown away all the delicate flavors the distillers worked so hard to create. Thankfully, that's not really the situation here, but you definitely require to be prepared for the wild ride.
Why is Batch 12 Different?
Every time a new batch of Taylor Barrel Proof drops, the web goes into a frenzy trying to figure out how it compares to the legends of the past. When you remember Batch 9 or the legendary Batch six, you understand the pub is set incredibly higher. Batch 12 feels like it's trying to reclaim that throne of becoming a true "flavor bomb. "
The particular first thing you notice when you pour a glass is the color. It's a deep, darkish amber—almost like mahogany. That informs you best away that this juice has spent some serious period soaking up the sugars and tannins through the charred walnut barrels in Warehouse C. Because it isn't diluted with water before bottling, you're getting the purest expression of that Buffalo Trace Mashbill #1 that you can possibly obtain.
The Tasting Experience
Let's get into the particular actual drinking component, because that's the reason why we're here. Whenever you first stay your nose within the glass associated with e. h. taylor barrel proof batch 12, you don't get hit along with as much ethanol as you may expect from a 131-proof whiskey. Rather, it's like walking into a bakery that's also for some reason a woodshop. There's this massive wave of toasted marshmallow, heavy vanilla, plus a hint of chocolates.
Once you take that very first sip, though, hold onto your hat. It's thick. The mouthfeel is oily and coats your entire tongue, that is exactly what We look for in a high-end bourbon. The particular initial flavors are all about that classic "Buffalo Trace" user profile: sweet corn, caramel, along with a big rush of dark red fruit—think black cherries or plums.
But then, the particular spice kicks within. It's a rye-heavy spice that tingles the sides associated with your tongue, followed by a dry oakiness that keeps the particular sweetness from getting cloying. It's a complex balancing act. One second you think you're drinking liquid candy, and the particular next, the barrel char reminds you this is a parent drink.
Will It Need Drinking water?
I'm usually a purist whenever it comes to be able to bourbon, using electronic. h. taylor barrel proof batch 12, I'm likely to proceed against the wheat and say that will several drops of water actually help. 131. 1 proof is objectively very hot. Adding just the tiny bit of filtered water (or letting it sit down within the glass with regard to 20 minutes) opens it up beautifully. It tames that preliminary alcohol burn plus lets some of the more subtle notes, like citrus fruit peel and smoking cigarettes, come to the surface.
If you consume it straight, just be sure you take tiny sips. This isn't something you gulp down; it's something you chew on.
The Battle of Finding the Bottle
All of us have to talk about the elephant in the room: actually locating this bottle. In writing, the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) for E. They would. Taylor Barrel Proof is usually around $80 to $100. If you can find it for that cost, you've basically gained the whiskey lottery. In the actual world, most alcohol stores that actually possess it in stock are going to slap a $400, $500, as well as $600 price tag on it.
Is it a $500 bourbon? That's a challenging question to solution. In terms associated with liquid quality, it's easily one associated with the best points Buffalo Trace puts out—often rivaling or even beating Stagg (Junior) and a few of the Antique Selection releases. But the particular "secondary market" prices are becoming a bit out of hand. If you're the die-hard collector, you'll probably pay this. If you're just somebody who likes the good drink upon a Friday evening, it's hard to justify that type of markup.
However, if you ever discover e. h. taylor barrel proof batch 12 in a club for an affordable pour price, don't hesitate. It's the quintessential example associated with what high-proof American whiskey should be.
How This Compares to Prior Batches
People are already debating exactly where Batch 12 rests in the pecking order. Last year's Batch 11 was a bit lower in proof (around 129) plus felt a bit more balanced right out of the door. Batch 12 feels more aggressive, even more "in the face. "
I'd argue that Batch 12 is for the one who loves a "hazmat-adjacent" whiskey encounter. It's got even more oak influence than some of the earlier batches, which provides it a bit more structure. It doesn't experience young or rushed. It feels such as a mature, well-composed spirit that simply happens to be strong enough to strip paint if a person weren't careful.
Final Thoughts upon Batch 12
At the end of the day, e. h. taylor barrel proof batch 12 is really a reminder of why this particular brand became so popular in the first place. It's not simply about the elegant tube or the particular history of Colonel Taylor himself; it's about the reality that the whiskey inside is consistently excellent.
It manages in order to be incredibly bold without losing its soul. It's obtained the sweetness, the spice, and that long, lingering surface finish that stays with you for several minutes after your last drink. It's the type of container you save regarding a special occasion—or, if you're with this problem, the kind associated with bottle you open up on a randomly Tuesday because you realized life is usually too short to imbibe mediocre bourbon.
If you take place to cross pathways with this batch, check it out. It's extreme, it's flavorful, plus it's a perfect example of exactly why the barrel proof category is currently king of the hill within the whiskey world. Just remember in order to take your period by it. A bottle like this deserves a slow evening and a good cup. Don't rush the particular experience, because once that bottle is definitely empty, finding a different one is going to become a hell of a chore.